Overview & Reviews

As with many of Toyota's vehicles, the Prius (from the Latin "to go before") has become a standard-bearer in its segment. While many automakers' hybrid models are still in their nascent stages, Toyota's Prius is already well into its third generation. This four-door hatchback hybrid has become a hit with consumers because of its stellar fuel economy, spacious cabin, relatively uncompromised driving characteristics and reasonable price.

Due to its popularity and relatively long sales history, Toyota's original hybrid car is a strong candidate for a shopper interested in a used hybrid vehicle. Pleasingly, Toyota's solid reputation for reliability and durability is holding true for the Prius. However, potential buyers of a used Prius should take extra care during the research process. As the Toyota Prius is quite complex, future repairs and part replacements could be quite expensive.

Current Toyota Prius
In its first decade of production, the compact Prius hatchback was the sole version available. But now, a subcompact Prius C, a larger Prius V wagon and a plug-in variant of the standard Prius are offered (and covered in separate reviews). With the introduction of these newer models, the standard Prius is often referred to as the Prius hatchback or liftback.

The Toyota Prius' hybrid powertrain consists of a 1.8-liter gasoline engine that's used in conjunction with two electric motors and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Total system power is 134 horsepower, and fuel economy rates an impressive 50 mpg combined.

There are four Prius trim levels: Two, Three, Four and Five. Standard feature highlights for the Prius Two include keyless ignition/entry, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a touchscreen interface and an iPod/USB audio interface. The Three adds a rearview camera, Toyota's Entune smartphone integration system and a navigation system. The Four gains a power driver seat, heated front seats, faux leather upholstery and an upgraded stereo. The Five has larger alloy wheels and advanced LED headlamps. Options vary depending on trim level, but include a solar-powered ventilation system, an aerodynamic body kit, a sport-tuned suspension, a head-up display, an upgraded navigation system, adaptive cruise control and a lane-departure warning system.

Under full acceleration, both gasoline and electric power sources work together to provide maximum propulsion. In stop-and-go traffic, the Prius usually runs on battery power alone, which maximizes fuel economy. Under deceleration, the electric motors switch to generator mode, recharging the car's batteries. As expected, performance is far from exciting, but adequate for passing and merging onto highways. The Prius' space-efficient hatchback body provides a surprisingly roomy backseat and cargo area, making it a plausible replacement for a family sedan or compact SUV. The Prius' main downsides are a potentially uncomfortable driving position for taller drivers, excessive road noise and disappointing interior materials quality.

Used Toyota Prius Models
The current third-generation Toyota Prius debuted for 2010. Its general shape remained largely unchanged compared to the previous generation, though the sheet metal took on a more sculpted character. The interior received a more radical overhaul, with a more conventional center control stack and the hybrid system display relocated high on the dash. It's also a bit more comfortable for taller drivers, thanks to a height-adjustable seat and a telescoping steering wheel, though still not great. Changes have been very minor since. The pre-2012 models lack a few features offered on later versions such as power front seats and the Entune smartphone integration system.

The second-generation Toyota Prius was produced for the 2004-'09 model years. It sat five people in a four-door hatchback body that provided extra versatility in terms of carrying items. This Prius' hybrid powertrain was the same in concept as the current third-generation model, but it featured a smaller, 1.5-liter gasoline engine that produced 76 hp and 82 pound-feet of torque. With the electric motor spinning out power, peak net hp was 110.

Aside from its hybrid system upgrades, most buyers will find the interior to be the biggest area of difference between the second-generation model and the current Prius. The dashboard and controls were unconventional and futuristic, with stereo, climate, vehicle system and optional navigation controls residing in a touchscreen interface. There were steering wheel buttons for frequently used items, but ultimately, too much was put under the jurisdiction of the touchscreen (which could wash out in sunlight). The odd gear-selector action of today's Prius was carried over from this generation, but then it was mounted on the dash. Another important difference to note is the lack of a telescoping steering wheel and height adjustment, making for an even more awkward driving position for taller people.

During its successful tenure in Toyota's lineup, this second-generation Prius received minor changes. For 2006, a back-up camera, leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and an auxiliary audio jack were added to the options list. A Prius Touring model was added the following year with a slightly firmer "sport" suspension, different 16-inch alloy wheels, a larger rear lip spoiler and several optional items. Side and side curtain airbags also became standard across the board. A "standard" trim level, which lacks cruise control and heated mirrors but in exchange had a significantly lower base price, was added for 2008.

In reviews of the Toyota Prius, our editors have cited outstanding mileage, ultralow emissions, hatchback utility and a reasonable price as the car's greatest strengths. Downsides include soft handling characteristics at highway speeds and, compared to regular midsize sedans, unimpressive maximum acceleration. Most Prius owners say their cars typically achieve real-world mpg ratings in the mid-40s.

The original Prius debuted in the North American market for the 2001 model year. However, Toyota had been selling it in Japan since 1997. This model was the second hybrid vehicle available to U.S. consumers after the Honda Insight. In just about every aspect, the original Prius has been eclipsed by the second-generation car. The first-generation Toyota is slower, smaller and not as comfortable.

Though less advanced than those in the newer generations, the older Prius' powertrain still paired a gasoline engine with an electric motor. Its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine made 70 hp at 4,500 rpm and 82 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. The electric drive motor was worth another 44 peak hp.

User Reviews:

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  Dont believe mileage claims - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Herb - November 7 - 4:43 pm

  I have had the Prius for a month. I love it except for two things. I am 6 foot 3 and it is hard to get into the vehicle because the steering wheel does not tilt up high enough. Once inside it is fine. To get 60 mpg you would have to fill up at the top of a mountain and then fill up again when you got to the bottom... there is no way. I am a very conservative driver and I am consistently getting 40 - 43 mpg. That is twice what I got in my previous vehicle but it is not what was advertised.

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  Love it - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Gary Reding - November 7 - 7:26 am

  Outstanding car in all respects. My wife drives it often and wants one for herself. My 15 year old son also likes to drive it. Our family is disappointed if we have to take our minivan or truck instead of the Prius. Easy to drive, excellent technology features, plenty of room, wonderful gas mileage.

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  Car Dies in Snow and on Highway - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Cathie - November 4 - 12:33 pm

  People are going to get killed in snow. Ive been stuck twice where both once you go into a skid you have no power to get out of it. It took me 45 minutes to get up a small hill once I skidded. The car loses all power. actually had a cop behind me as I tried to get my car moving so I wouldnt get hit. Dealer said Toyota made it so you cant shut off the Vehicle control Stability for SAFETY REASONS HA! This is dangerous. Ive also had 2 incidents on back to back weekends where my car hesitates, the dash board lights go on and I lose all power. This happened 3 times on the highway and 2x on back road same night. This is a dangerous car and I will be getting rid of it once it is fixed.

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  We love it! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Marion - November 1 - 5:50 pm

  We knew we wanted to take advantage of the Federal tax break and our State tax break which was no sales tax! But we figure we have saved over $500 so far this year in gas! Our other car gets 26 MPG or so, and were getting 50 MPG in our Prius. Putting on lots of miles because its so economical to drive-- and fun!

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  Great car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By gary - November 1 - 8:53 am

  Bought used and love it so far.

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  My Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Charles Daniels - October 31 - 7:36 pm

  This is a quality automobile; it is comfortable and fun to drive plus the increase gas mileage.

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  evaluating our Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Ann Talbot - October 29 - 9:50 pm

  There is a ratle in the dash but that is the only complaint.Mileage is 30 % less than advertised but 42 mpg is fine. I sorly miss instruments like tachometer compass temperature.The exterior is alarmingly velnerable to dings due to the lack of any "bump- strips". The ovehead sunglass tray looks and feels cheap. The upolstry does not look or feel in the same class as our old 1990 626. Im glad it says Toyota on it. Time will tell if it was a good idea.

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  Impressed - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Satori - October 25 - 7:10 pm

  I do my part any way I can to help the environment, including converting to a Vegan lifestyle in order to reduce toxic emissions from meat processing. The obvious way I could do more was to get rid of my two Infiniti gas hogs, which I did. Coming from luxury vehicles with every amenity to my Prius was very easy, like a breath of fresh air. The only things anyone could miss would be power seats, lumbar support, a sunroof and more sound deadening. However, all of these add considerable weight, therefore reducing mileage. I feel as if I have lost no features from my luxo-barges, and gained a clearer conscience. I really love that I am not assumed to be pretentious, or image-conscience anymore.

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  duhyme - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By duhyme - October 24 - 3:46 pm

  Outstanding vehicle. Comfort of a larger class sedan, fuel ecomony better than a sub-compact. Ive had this vehicle for over two years, have driven it all over the United Kingdom and Colorado. I am very happy with its performance. Average fuel economy is about 45-50 mpg, nowhere near the advertised 65 mpg, but still very respectable.

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  Excellent - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Josefina F. Johnsen - October 22 - 10:36 am

  It is a car that you enjoy driving it. It is comfortable, plenty of space inside. The mileage that it gives you is great. The model I own is a black color Prius and the interior is in a very light beige leather and it looks luxurious. I highly recommend this car.